Optimal Strategy

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Cards of the month is a series that highlights cards that have increased signup bonus. There are seven cards that are featured this month, but it's going to feel like four cards. For three of the cards, there are different variations of the cards (personal and business versions).

You can view credit card offers by going to the "Credit Card Offers" tab. Find offers for the respective cards in "Travel Rewards Credit Cards" and "Business Credit Cards." You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do. Thank you for supporting AskSebby!

Amex Gold Delta SkyMiles (Personal and Business Versions)

Sign-up bonus: 60,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in spend within the first three months.

Earn 2x points on Delta purchases, 1x on everything else

Earn a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase within the first three months

First checked bag free

Priority boarding

No foreign transaction fees

Offer expires: 11/8/2017

Delta gold

The increased signup offer is good until 11/8/2017. With the Gold Delta, as well as the Platinum Delta, you can always downgrade the card to the Blue Delta once the annual fee hits.

For the Gold card, this works well because the annual fee is waived the first year. The personal and business cards come with a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with the new card within the first three months.

The cards have a 60,000 signup bonus after $3,000 in spend within the first three months. This comes out to be a 30% return on spend. For signup bonuses, my goal is to make more than 10% return on spend, so this is a great option.

The Delta cards had a similar increased offer back in May 2017, but the main difference was that the minimum spend requirement was $4,000 instead of $3,000.

If you're debating between the personal or business versions, it mainly depends on which state you live in and if you generate income on the side. Some states let you apply if you have the intention of starting a business or if they have generated at least $1 from outside your full-time job. You can usually apply under a sole proprietorship without any additional licenses.

Amex Platinum Delta SkyMiles (Business and Personal Versions)

The basics

Annual fee: $195

Sign-up bonus: 70,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM) after $3,000 in spend within the first three months.

Earn 2x points on Delta purchases, 1x on everything else

Earn a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase within the first three months

First checked bag free

Priority boarding

No foreign transaction fees

Offer expires: 11/8/2017

amex platinum delta

If you are considering the Amex Platinum Delta, I strongly recommend looking into the annual companion certificate depending if it makes sense for you.

Amex SPG Business

The basics

Annual fee: $95, waived the first year

Sign-up bonus: 25,000 bonus Starpoints after $6,000 in spend within the first three months. Earn an extra 10,000 Starpoints after you make an additional $4,000 in purchases within the first six months.

Earn 2x points on SPG and Marriott purchases, 1x on everything else

Free unlimited Boingo Wi-fi, enrollment required

No foreign transaction fees

Offer expires: 11/1/2017

amex spg business

For a lot of people, this card doesn't make sense because the minimum spend requirement is considered high at $10,000. If you have some big expenses coming up, then it's a good card to have.

Since it is a business card, it's affected by Chase 5/24, but doesn't count towards it.

Sign-up bonus: 60,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after $3,000 in spend within the first 3 months

Earn 2x American Airlines purchases, 1x on everything else

First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines flights for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation

Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights

25% discount on in-flight food and beverage

Earn 10% of your redeemed AAdvantage miles back - up to 10,000 miles each calendar year

No foreign transaction fees

citi aa platinum select

I currently value AA points at 1.2 cents per point because award availability is scarce for domestic flights. If you're looking to fly international business or first class flights, there is a lot more availability.

If you're not in a Delta or AA hub, I would lean towards the Delta cards because you know what you're getting with the Delta points. Delta points, like Southwest and JetBlue points, are based on the cost of the flight.

Apple and Goldman Sachs will partner to create a new iPhone-connected credit card set to launch later this year. According to the WSJ, the card will integrate with the iPhone to track spending, points, and help with budget management.

Booking a flight with the right credit card can make or break a trip, especially if unexpected delays happen. Missed connections or canceled flights can leave a hole in your wallet, and some airlines will only provide food vouchers and overnight accommodations if the delay with within their control.

There’s a misconception going around that the Amex Platinum card earns 5x on ALL hotel stays. To clarify, the Amex Platinum only earns 5x points when you book hotel nights through amextravel.com or the Fine Hotels and Resorts Collection (FHR).

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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, vendors or companies, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

AskSebby Disclaimer: Content on AskSebby represents one individual’s experiences and viewpoints, and your experience may differ. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor a legal or tax professional. Articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances. Research and obtain professional advice regarding all credit decisions before attempting to duplicate any of the techniques described on this website.